Page 11 of To Have and To Hold

“I know your feelings,” I said, leaning forward. “I don’t understand why—if you feel they’re all so dangerous—you are sending me there.” I hesitated, not wanting to get Tony in trouble. “Is it because of the capo? Is he making you do this?”

Papà sat forward. “Mia is the one who brought your travel up to your mother. Aurora believes strongly in charity. After giving the proposal consideration, we decided this would be an eye-opening experience for you. One you can bring back to Kansas City and see our world in a new light.”

“Dario had nothing to do with this?”

Papà slammed his palm on his desk. “Damn it, we are part of the famiglia. Of course, the capo was involved.” He exhaled and leaned back. “I won’t tolerate receiving any reports of promiscuous activities. You are there to aid your cousin with her project. Remember that unlike the stray, you are a Luciano. You have worth that will not be squandered on the likes of the cartel.” He inhaled. “I decided to inform you before you left…I’ve spoken to the capo about Aldo Ricci, the son of the consigliere in St. Louis.”

“Spoke to him about what?”

“Marriage, Isabella. With the dangers we’re facing, uniting outfits, especially with the close proximity of St. Louis, is beneficial. You’re beautiful, and you could be the way to bridge the gap we’ve had with the St. Louis famiglia in the past.”

“Is it set? My wedding?” I asked.

“No, that’s Dario’s job. I am not privy to his timing. I’m certain it won’t be set until after you return from San Diego. I wanted you to know that you are spoken for. Therefore, your interaction with the cartel will be by necessity only. Stay close to Mia and do as she asks. I don’t want you living withel Patr?n, but under the circumstances, I feel it will be the safest place. Mia will look after you.” He brought his hands to the arms of his chair. “Mia mentioned living with a widow. I don’t approve. Rafaele will accompany you to Mia’s home. I want your word that you will reside there.”

My mouth felt suddenly dry. “I’d like to meet Liliana.”

“You will be working with her. I’m sure you’ll meet. Remember, you’re going out there to represent the Luciano famiglia in a unique way.” He repeated, “You are a Luciano. Mia is too, but she has a different last name. The stray…well, she never has been famiglia. While you don’t yet have a ring from Aldo Ricci, you are not available.”

“You don’t want to marry me to the cartel?” I lifted my eyebrows. “Then why did you tell Dario I could marry Reinaldo?”

“You dodged that bullet, Isabella. Praise the Father and thank the saints daily for your fortune. Stay as far away from the cartel men as possible. If I learn that any one of them so much as touches you, there will be a war on our hands that even the capo won’t be able to stop.”

Chapter

Five

Emiliano

Silas opened the door toel Patr?n’shome, allowing me entry. “Buenos días,” I greeted. Silas was the final guard at the last point of entry. Since Aléjandro ascended to the top position in the cartel, his home was even more guarded than before.

“Señor Ruiz, el jefe esta en su oficina.”

With a nod, I headed toward Aléjandro’s office. As I approached, I heard voices. It didn’t take me long to realize Mia, Aléjandro’s wife, was also present.

“Em,” she said, turning to me as I entered. “Maybe you could add your two cents to our discussion.”

Aléjandro Roríguez was seated behind his desk. If one were to enter this home, they’d surely mistake Silas forel Patr?n, the man in charge of Aléjandro and his family’s safety. He was always dressed in a suit, often a three-piece suit. On the other hand, the true leader was behind his desk with a five-o’clock shadow, despite it being morning, and wearing a white t-shirt, blue jeans, and by the one foot on his desk, black boots.

Mia was also dressed for comfort in her sundress and flat sandals. Her long hair was tied back in a low ponytail. At this rare moment, she wasn’t holding her son.

I bowed at the waist. “Always happy to be of service,señora.”

“My cousin Isabella is arriving this afternoon. Jano thinks Silas should watch over her while she’s here because he’s older, not intimidating to her, but I disagree. Silas has sworn his oath of service to not only Jano, but to Jorge and me. I think sending him away could create a void around here.” She sighed. “I know that I’m still hormonal. Nevertheless, after what happened to…” She paused. “Jano’s father, I don’t want to risk Jorge’s safety.”

She said quite a bit, but honestly, my brain latched on to her first sentence. “Isabella Luciano is coming here. To San Diego?”

Mia turned to Jano. “How doesn’t Em know that?”

“Shit, Mia,” he said, lowering his foot to the floor. “We’re on a twenty-four-hour search for news about Herrera and Volkov.” He stood. Placing his hand over his heart he stalked toward his wife. “Pido disculpas.” He turned to me. “Isabella Luciano is arriving later today. She will be here for a month—initially. Mia needs help at the apartment building and not surprisingly, Liliana isn’t getting it done.”

Mia reached out to her husband’s arm. “I know this isn’t as big of a priority for you as it is for me. She’s coming out here because I pressured Dario. Once he approved my request, I assured my uncle that Isabella would be safe. I also don’t want to compromise our safety in that process.”

“Your safety is my priority.”

“What will she be doing in your stead?” I asked Mia.

Mia sighed. “Being me until I can figure out how to get back there. I’ve developed a system to keep track of each woman, ensure we have their up-to-date information, everything. It’s also supposed to monitor their work hours as well as when they’re at the apartments, away to work, or out. It’s not that complicated, but every time I check online, the information is outdated. Somehow, Liliana is consistently a day or two behind. Something could happen to one of the women and we wouldn’t know for forty-eight hours. That’s not acceptable. The women are trusting us with their information and safety.” She took a seat across from Jano’s desk. “I don’t want to fire Liliana, but she needs help. According to Catalina, Isabella is a fast learner. She graduated high school with honors and wanted to attend university.” She pressed her lips together. “Of course, Uncle Carmine doesn’t see the need.”

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